Kind-hearted Grim Reaper

Three months later, after Ah Dai's relentless efforts, he had finally memorized all the labels and all the names of the fruits in the orchard. Despite his slow memory, once he had completely memorized something, it was difficult for him to forget. Regardless of which label name Goris mentioned, he could instantly find the corresponding drawer.

"Alright, starting from today, you are officially my apprentice, assisting in my experiments," Goris said in a nonchalant way.

"Yes, Master." Throughout these three months, Goris' attitude towards Ah Dai had remained indifferent. All the housework was done by Ah Dai, and Goris spent all his time in the laboratory except when he was meditating at night.

Goris stared at the small cauldron in front of him and said in a deep voice, "A small piece of saltpeter, one ounce silver ingot, three ounces of Sky Wind Flower. Quick."

"Yes, Master." Ah Dai quickly handed him the items he needed. Goris put these items into the small cauldron, and then said, "One ounce of cotton, a basin of clear water. Quick."

Goris took the items from Ah Dai, placed them all into the cauldron and looked at Ah Dai, instructing, "Use your Flame Spell to heat from beneath the cauldron, do not stop without my command."

"Yes, Master. Oh, fire elements that fill the world, grant me your burning power, by my name, with your power, come forth, burning flames." With a 'poof', a red flame with a hint of blue appeared in Ah Dai's hand. He carefully reached under the cauldron, concentrating and controlling the size of the flame.

Seeing the blue-tinged flame, Goris was taken aback. The flame released by Ah Dai had reached the level of a Junior Mage. How could he expect that in just three months' time, this incredibly dull boy would increase his magic power so rapidly?

What startled Goris even more was that he had originally thought that it would be pretty good if Ah Dai could last for ten minutes. However, twenty minutes had passed, the water in the cauldron was nearly evaporated, and only then did a thin layer of sweat appear on Ah Dai's forehead. Goris hadn't expected that he could last this long. A murderous intent flashed across his eyes once again. He pondered that if he were to seriously teach this kid, within ten years, he might reach and even surpass his own current level.

"Alright, extinguish the flame, then go fetch some more clear water and get an ounce of Crystal Powder."

"Yes, Master." Ah Dai finally relaxed. After long use of the Flame Spell, he felt dizzy. Of course, he didn't understand that this was due to the excessive consumption of magic power. Enduring for over twenty minutes was, indeed, his limit right now. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he quickly got what Goris needed.

A black flame in Goris' hand replaced the Flame Spell previously caused by Ah Dai. The items in the cauldron had completely melted into a paste and turned light green. Goris took a handful of Crystal Powder from the container in Ah Dai's hand and evenly sprinkled it on the small cauldron. With a hissing sound, a green flame shot into the sky. The flame flashing and then extinguishing, a faint fragrance lingered in the air.

After living with Goris for three months, Ah Dai was no longer astounded by these abnormal occurrences and just quietly observed. Seeing the green solid substance coagulating in the cauldron, Goris frowned and sighed, "Still not quite right. Seems like it really can't be refined without the Fragrant Wind Grass."

Ah Dai was familiar with Fragrant Wind Grass, it was labelled on one of the drawers, but the pale blue grass within had already been used up.

Goris covered the small cauldron and turned to Ah Dai, "Ah Dai, I may be away for some time to find some Fragrant Wind Grass. Only the Empire of Huasheng has it, such a nuisance. While I'm away, you must watch the house, understand?"

Upon hearing that Goris was leaving, Ah Dai felt a sudden emptiness in his heart and asked, "Master, how long will you be gone?"

Goris replied, "If I'm quick, a little over a month, if slow, perhaps two months. If you're hungry, eat the fruits from the forest, if thirsty, drink the spring water from behind the house. Remember, never wander too deep into the Illusive Forest, otherwise, if you get lost, you could starve to death there, you understand?"

Ah Dai nodded and said, "Master, please come back soon."

A warmth filled Goris' heart. Over the past three months, no matter how he treated Ah Dai, he was always compliant. Any errand given to him he would promptly undertake, reaching a point where he just needed to extend his hand and Ah Dai would know what he wanted. Where could he find such a dutiful apprentice? However, for the success of the final experiment, he had no choice... Goris shook his head vigorously, expelled his kind thoughts externally, and coldly said, "Alright, go meditate now. I am leaving in the morning."

"Yes, Master." Indeed, the continuous use of the Flame Spell had left Ah Dai feeling very tired. He returned to his room and began meditating.

The next morning, Goris packed lightly, ready to set off.

"Ah Dai, don't forget what I told you yesterday. Oh, and this is for you." Goris handed a not so thick book to Ah Dai.

Ah Dai was taken aback, "Master, what is this?"

Goris looked at him with a complicated expression and said, "This is my experimentation notebook. It comprises three sections - methods for concocting medicines, identifying poisonous substances, and weapons forging. You can skim through it when you're bored. The words inside are more or less the names of the labels. Those related simple terms, you should mostly understand. However, remember, reading is just reading, you absolutely can't go into the lab and experiment on your own, got it? As for how much you can understand, it depends on your own fate."